On May 22, my school, Harvard-Westlake, hosted a Special Olympics event. Many seniors volunteered, including my brother, Tyler Park. Tyler reflected, “When I first signed up to volunteer at the Special Olympics event, I expected whistles blowing, medals gleaming, and a few hours of helping out. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the day would impact me and my friends. Seeing coaches, athletes, and family members grinning with pride, I realized this wasn’t just a competition, it was a celebration of courage, resilience, and joy, regardless of wins or losses.”
The high school volunteers escorted athletes to their events, helped with water distribution, and cheered on the sidelines.
Welcoming the team before the game starts [Source: Author, Deana Thompson]
A friendly competition and not letting go [Source: Author, Deana Thompson]
Volunteering opportunities:
- Event Day Volunteering: for timekeeping, scorekeeping, awards, check-in, setting up, cleaning up, and escorting athletes
- Coaching: training for coaches with experience and a big heart to lead practices and build relationships with athletes
- Unified Partner: athletes who would like to play alongside Special Olympics athletes
- Youth Leadership and School Clubs: Start or join a Special Olympics club at your school
- Health & Medical Volunteers: certified medical professionals to help with health screenings
- Internship and Administrative Help: SOSC offers volunteer internships in communications, development, and event planning
- Fundraising and Advocacy: fundraise for athletic scholarships, and advocate for disability rights
Please go to sosc.org/volunteer to sign up, to view upcoming volunteer opportunities, to register, and to complete required training.
